Personal Organizational Development - Assignment Example

Personal Organizational Development al Affiliation Personal Organizational Development In contemporary work settings, there are challenges and factors in the external environment that influences prospects for graduates to find appropriate employment. For students seeking greener pastures and greater potentials for professional growth, there are strategies which would facilitate the attainment of career goals. Likewise, academic courses have also evolved in line with increasing trends for globalization. The schools of business, for instance, slowly gravitate towards integrating courses and programs that prepare students to be adept in managing business settings on a more global sphere. The current discourse aims to present a two-part structured report where the first part details the current marketplace for graduate employment opportunities for students with a degree in Business with International Management and the second part presents an in-depth discussion of one’s intended career plan. Part A: Current Marketplace for Graduate Employment Opportunities First and foremost, one is intent in finding employment with the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) located in Safat, Kuwait. As such, after graduating from the Business with International Management program at the Newcastle Business School in Northumbria University, the plan is to return to Kuwait and apply the theoretical frameworks of the course to business and management operating functions at KPC. In addition, it is also affirmed that the course has enabled the development of the most appropriate skills set which would prepare me for job positions at KPC where core competence and competitive advantages would be exuded, as compared to other graduates from similar fields of endeavor. The following sections would present detailed discussions on the workplace for employment opportunities for students graduating with a degree in Business with International Management, including earning potentials, demand for the job, growth prospects in comparison to other similar fields of study, competition, workplace options, as well as opportunities for advancement. Earning Potentials The earnings potentials for graduates with a degree in Business with International Management range from £72,105 for international finance management graduates to £76,054 for international marketing management graduates (All Star Directories, Inc., 2015). In a more conservative site, the median salary for graduates from the program and who work as management analysts receive £52,479, while administrative service managers receive £54,082 (Study.com, 2015). In Kuwait, the earning potentials for graduates from the program are actually greater due to the absence of personal income taxes (Just Landed, 2015). Thus, the range perceivable earnings for graduates of the program would be KWD 13,918 to KWD 42,539 (PayScale, Inc., 2015). As such, the earning potentials are relatively high and lucrative which makes the field of study attractive to be pursued. Demand for the Job and Growth Prospects The demand for the job actually depends on the prospective area of specialization (All Star Directories, Inc., 2015). The growth prospects through 2022, likewise, depend on areas of comparative job positions, as detailed below: “Management analyst—19 percent, faster than average Budget analyst—6 percent, slower than average Human Resources Management—13 percent, as fast as average Financial Management—9 percent, as fast as average Translator/Interpreter—46 percent, much faster than average Marketing Management—13 percent, as fast as average” (All Star Directories, Inc., 2015, p.1). From the information, one could deduce that graduates from the Business with International Management program could focus on specializing in areas where the growth potentials are greater, such as in translation and interpretation (46%), followed by management analysis (19%) and finally, marketing management as well as human resources management exemplifying similar growth rates of 13%, which is consdired fast as average rate. Competition Graduates from the program would most likely meet increasing competition from students who graduate in similar fields of discipline, especially those with higher educational attainment and experience. As noted, “proficiency in a second language will be a major advantage to international business workers. Similarly, you will need to prove your tech savvy, and willingness to develop it continually as new processes and systems emerge for communication and business management. The more knowledge and experience you have with computers and software, as well as with people, the better” (All Star Directories, Inc., 2015, p. 1). Workplace Options The kinds of companies which reportedly hire graduates from the program include those who offer positions in the following: international business expatriate assignments, public sector jobs, as well as short term international jobs (All Star Directories, Inc., 2015). Under international business expatriates assignments, for instance, it was revealed that “many large corporations have overseas offices and often employ a staff that is comprised of both local and expatriate workers” (All Star Directories, Inc., 2015, p. 1). Thus, one could still be in the United Kingdom and aim to apply in a global organization with business ventures in Kuwait. Opportunities for Advancement Advancing in this field of endeavor entails pursuing even higher education, possibly a doctorate degree. Likewise, for students with bi-lingual or multi-lingual skills, there are increased opportunities to work in other international markets, especially in emerging markets, such as India or China. However, since one is intent on pursuing a career in Kuwait, the opportunities for advancement would entail taking other language courses, or pursuing higher education from similar fields of discipline. Job Openings in the UK and in Kuwait Searching through job openings for graduates of Business with International Management programs generated as much as 395 results (Graduate Prospects Ltd., 2015). The information is an indication of the wealth of employment opportunities in the UK. Concurrently, a quick look at online job prospects for graduates of the program in Kuwait generated as much as 117 jobs (GulfTalent, 2015). The information is also an indication that there are vast opportunities open for graduates from the program in Kuwait. This was corroborated by information from another search engine for jobs in Kuwait which generated as much as 240 jobs specifically under Kuwait petroleum category (Search Engine Just for Jobs, 2015). Graduating from the Business with International Management program is still earmarked after one more year of study. As such, as revealed, I could specialize in either marketing or finance. However, since the information from job outlook and prospects indicate that there is an evidently higher percentage of growth for graduates in marketing management (13%) as against graduates in financial management (9%), as such, if given the prerogative to select, one would opt to specialize in marketing management. Moreover, since one also signified intentions to pursue enrollment in other foreign languages, it is a good option to look into the possibility of becoming a translator or interpreter which exhibited the greatest growth potentials at 46%. Part B. Intended Career Plan B.1 Intended graduate position/placement, with a rationale for the choice within the context of a longer-term career plan As stipulated at the onset, my intention is to find a rewarding career at the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC). In the meantime, I am focused on completing my Business with International Management degree from Northumbria University’s Newcastle Business School. The personal and professional goals with rationales for the choice within the context of a long-term period are shown in the table below: Time Period Personal and Professional Goals Rationales for the Choice 1 Apply for internship programs in the UK To develop skills and knowledge within the work setting 2 Graduate from the Business with International Management degree; return to Kuwait and apply at KPC To start a career in the petroleum industry 3 Take part in leadership development and training programs To further develop skills set in leadership and management 5 Pursue higher education in the UK To increase competitive advantage and specialize in either marketing, finance, or human resources management 7 Return to KPC and assume higher managerial positions in engaged in policy-making and strategic development To align professional goals with national objectives for sustainability in petroleum 10 To start an entrepreneurial venture To become an active and influential contributor to the economic growth of Kuwait using knowledge and experiences gained from education and employment In the course of my completing the program at Northumbria University’s Newcastle Business School, I can pursue applying at organizations in the UK which offers internship programs (The Intern Group, 2015). The purpose of applying is to gain an in-depth perspective of working with an organization in the UK. As such, I would have the chance to apply the theoretical frameworks learned from the first year of study in the Business with International Management program. Likewise, various skills are earmarked to be developed, including teambuilding, social skills, customer service, communication, problem-solving, and even leadership skills. Moreover, I would also be immersed in a working environment composed of people from diverse cultural backgrounds. Therefore, I would gain more knowledge and understanding on which areas to be improved, as well as areas where I could be more interested to pursue or specialize in. After graduation, I would definitely apply at KPC for a position that matches my educational background and skills set. I also intend to attend leadership training and development programs and seminars which would prepare me for higher positions within the organization. By the fifth year, I intend to pursue higher education, also in the UK, by applying for academic scholarship. The advanced knowledge and skills set to be gained from the program would be essential in my plan to assume higher positions at KPC, specifically specializing in policy development as well as strategies planning and design. By the tenth year, I plan to establish an entrepreneurial venture of my own, depending on the interest that were developed through years of serving KPC. I would like to be an instrumental contributor to the economic development of Kuwait through employing people and providing products or services that are deemed to be needed by that time. B.2 An assessment of suitability for the graduate position/placement using a variety of feedback gained during the seminar activities and directed study The Type Dynamics Indicator test was taken and the results explained that I am an Executive. As an executive, I have qualitied and traits that would affect my future career since I would have the preponderance to lead and to take active control of endeavors delegated under my jurisdiction. Likewise, as an executive, I acknowledge the need to possess social skills which would make me adept at interacting with various kinds of people, addressing customers’ needs, and collaborating with other stakeholders within the organizational setting. Moreover, as I earmarked to pursue higher education, I would be prepared for responsibilities which include developing systems, policy formation, and strategies development. From the results of the tests, I was made aware that as an executive, I need to develop the following areas: (1) being more personal and reflective, as well as being less critical of others; (2) assume a slower pace, especially when it entails explaining personal thoughts and ideas; (3) be cognizant of the fact that one could not be always correct or right and providing other people the chance to shine; (4) be less competitive; and finally, (5) be less directive as well as show more compassion to others. In addition, other feedback mechanisms could be used as a springboard to gain more knowledge of oneself. For instance, comments and feedback from instructors and peers are relevant sources of information since these people are the ones who regularly see and observe how I work and how I behave in the academic setting. Likewise, adherence to rules, standards, and achievement of goals are also good sources of information which would gauge the manner of efficiency and effectiveness in fulfilling intended results according to predefined time frames. B.3 Identification of strengths and weaknesses related to the chosen graduate position/placement The results of the test which indicates me being classified as an executive exhibits strengths in tailoring the academic program I currently am pursuing to my career goal. Personally, prior to taking the test, I affirm that I possess the following strengths: (1) I am a quick learner with a sharp mental ability; (2) I possess excellent communication skills; (3) I am highly committed and responsible in whatever endeavors I pursue or have been delegated to me; and (4) I am a good team leader as well as a key player within a team. The chosen program would assist in harnessing these strengths, as well as developing skills which would assist in manifesting the executive in me. The program would enable me to gain a macro-oriented perspective of managing enterprises from a global realm. I would be more focused on the interrelatedness of management issues which happen in one country and which evidently influences and affects trade, economics, and politics in other international soils. As such, although the orientation would be wider and globally encompassing, knowledge and awareness of local current events would assist in interpreting concerns and issues that impact future business performance, transactions, and attainment of defined objectives. Moreover, I affirm that my being multi-lingual is an added strength that increases competitive advantage for future positions. I am very proficient in Arabic, my native language and I speak and write fluently in English, considered by second language. Further, I am considered a beginner in learning French. These knowledge of communicating in other languages are essential for practitioners graduating from the program. As such, consistent with the recommendations for advancement, as disclosed under part A of the discourse, graduates with bi-lingual or multi-lingual skills have a greater advantage in finding lucrative jobs which necessitate interacting with people from various cultural orientations. Despite acknowledgement of personal strengths, I am also aware that there are still some weaknesses which should be addressed. I have briefly enumerated points that I, as an executive, should undertake to improve. One is being less critical of others. I am aware that I have tendencies to be judgmental or to find fault in what others say or do. As such, I should be more cognizant of the fact that people behave differently for the reasons that people have different beliefs, values, and preferences. Therefore, I should be more respectful of the opinions, insights, and comments relayed by others. Moreover, I was also advised, from the test results, of the need to take a slower pace in the manner by which I conduct my behavior. I exemplify tendencies to speak fast, especially when explaining information that are particularly of interest to me. I am made aware that others might not be able to keep pace and that I need to communicate more slowly and in a more regulated pace – considering that people have different cultural and demographic backgrounds. Concurrently, I admit that I could be a perfectionist at times. Likewise, I also expect other people to exert similar efforts to achieve perfection. Therefore, consistent with the admission that people have different beliefs, values, preferences, and code of conduct, I should also respect how other people endeavor to achieve defined objectives. Finally, I could be very competitive and exemplify an authoritative stance – which are traits of an executive. In so doing, by learning more about leadership styles and traits, as well as applying theories that match conditions in the work setting, pertinent to subordinates and the setting at hand, I must be able to be flexible and adjust my conduct and behavior to match what is required in contemporary settings and situations. The course modules, as well as undertaking internship programs, would assist in gaining more knowledge and experience in actual work settings. B.4 Conclusion Having identified my intended career path, in conjunction with future goals, the personal assessment of strengths and weaknesses would assist in developing the next steps to capitalize on these strengths and to address the weaknesses. The following table will highlight the steps and areas to be addressed, the rationale, the manner of addressing these, as well as the time frame: Areas to be Addressed Rationale or Reasons Manner of Addressing Time Frame Critical of others Being critical of others could reflect negatively on me Attending leadership training and development programs Immediately within the next year Fast pace Others would find it difficult to follow my pace Attending leadership training and development programs Immediately within the next year Perfectionist Not all are perfectionists and humans are prone to commit mistakes Be aware of ethical, moral and legal universal standards and code of discipline Ongoing and continuing Authoritarian stance Leaders should adapt and adjust to the personality of the subordinates and to the situation Delve into leadership theories and learn best practices Within the next year Cultural awareness and adeptness Develop cultural awareness and adeptness due to diversity Undertake cultural awareness seminars Within the next year and continuing through work experience From the table, it could be deduced that the areas to be addressed are the weaknesses that were identified. As such, one of the reasons for earmarking these as potential areas to be addressed is that continuing to practice these would reflect negatively on me, as a person, and as a future professional, classified as an executive. As such, the manner of addressing these weaknesses would be to be involved and participate in leadership training and development programs. In addition, attempting to change one’s view of perfection could slowly be addressed through respecting universal ethical, moral, and legal standards. The concept of always being correct or right is to be changed since humans are prone to commit mistakes. Despite the fact, errors or failures are not indications of weaknesses. It is the journey and the ability of individuals to exhibit resilience and the drive to stand up and get back on track are more worthy of praise. Finally, since I would be working in Kuwait, I expect to be adept at knowing my cultural norms and practices, as well as values and beliefs system. However, since I already started to learn other languages, I firmly believe that I should also endeavor to increase my cultural awareness and adeptness of culture other than my own. With increasing trends for organizations to become globalized, there are also similar trends and chances of meeting and working with people from across cultures, educational attainment, gender, and religions. As such, I affirm that it would also be beneficial to gain cultural adeptness in other cultures as a way of enhancing my knowledge on a global sphere. References All Star Directories, Inc. (2015). International Business Salary and Job Outlook. Retrieved from allbusinessschools.com: http://www.allbusinessschools.com/business-careers/international-business/salary/ Graduate Prospects Ltd. (2015). business with international management . Retrieved from prospects.ac.uk: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/graduate_job_search_results.htm?criteria.keyWord=business+with+international+management&criteria.location= GulfTalent. (2015). business with international management. Retrieved from gulftalent.com: http://www.gulftalent.com/jobs/search?pos_ref=business+with+international+management&frmPositionCountry=10111113000000#!?category=&industry=&seniority=&country=10111113000000&city=&keyword=business%20with%20international%20management Just Landed. (2015). Working conditions: Kuwait. Retrieved from justlanded.com: https://www.justlanded.com/english/Kuwait/Kuwait-Guide/Jobs/Working-conditions PayScale, Inc. (2015, November 7). Master of Business Administration (MBA), International Business Degree Average Salary. Retrieved from payscale.com: http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Degree=Master_of_Business_Administration_(MBA),_International_Business/Salary Psychometric Testing (2014). Retrieved 2-11-2014, from https://elp.northumbria.ac.uk/webapps/blackboard/content/listContent.jsp?course_id=_40 068_1&content_id=_565729_1&mode=reset Search Engine Just for Jobs. (2015). Retrieved from shoghlanty.com: http://www.shoghlanty.com/En/search.aspx?category=Petroleum&country=kuwait&date= Study.com. (2015). MBA in International Business: Jobs and Salary Information. Retrieved from study.com: http://study.com/articles/MBA_in_International_Business_Jobs_and_Salary_Information.html The Intern Group. (2015). Our Internships in London. Retrieved from theinterngroup.com: http://www.theinterngroup.com/london/#parentHorizontalTab5 Undergraduate Office (2014). Studying Abroad. Northumbria University Read More